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Abstract
This study investigates the factors contributing to poor academic performance in the English language among secondary school students in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria. English serves as the official language and medium of instruction in Nigerian schools, making proficiency critical to academic success. Despite its importance, many students struggle to perform adequately. The research adopts a descriptive survey design to explore root causes such as insufficient exposure to English outside the classroom, inadequate teaching methods, lack of instructional materials, and poor language foundation from primary education. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to students and teachers across selected schools. The study reveals that many students face challenges due to limited vocabulary, poor reading habits, and minimal parental support. Teachers also report large class sizes and insufficient training as obstacles. Recommendations include improved teacher training, provision of adequate learning resources, increased student engagement with English through extracurricular activities, and stronger parental involvement. Addressing these issues holistically is crucial for enhancing English proficiency and overall academic achievement.